Brazil's World Cup penalty woes spark FIFA disciplinary debate

A review of past and present disciplinary decisions shows how Brazil's World Cup fortunes have been affected by penalty controversies. In the 1962 tournament, winger Garrincha was expelled in the semifinal but the Brazilian delegation secured his absolution by highlighting procedural gaps in the match report, allowing him to play in the final. The case resurfaced after a recent ruling that nullified a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun in the 2026 World Cup, prompting renewed debate over FIFA’s disciplinary processes.

In the current 2025/26 World Cup, Brazil was eliminated after midfielder Bruno Guimarães missed a penalty that had been pre‑selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti explained the choice, saying, “Fizemos uma estatística de um ano dos jogadores rivais e também dos nossos. O melhor era Neymar, Igor Thiago, Raphinha e, depois, Bruno Guimarães.” The missed spot‑kick, defended by Norway’s keeper Ørjan Nyland, became a focal point of criticism toward the Brazilian technical staff and highlighted how pre‑match decisions can shape tournament outcomes.